Mercedes-Benz assembles its 500,000th G-Class, an SUV frozen in time
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class also called G-Wagen, for friends, a diminutive of its German name Geländewagen, is the most indecent SUV in the Mercedes-Benz range. Once supposed to be just a utility vehicle with extraordinary off-road skills, the G-Class has become over time a model which, like the Range Rover, has rather appealed to the richest of the urban jungle. We do not buy it for its abilities, but for its unique status brought by its design and its performance.
After 44 years of production, Mercedes-Benz has just announced that the 500,000e copy has just left its factory in Graz, Austria, a historic moment for the veteran SUV of the German brand.
To mark the occasion, the manufacturer has produced an anniversary model which, rather than focusing on performance, as is the case with AMG liveries, recalls the design and roots of the original vehicle. Its body is painted in Agave green, one of the first colors originally offered. Its smaller steel rims are also reminiscent of those of the era. In fact, Mercedes-Benz mentions being inspired by the 280 GE model marketed in 1986, a vehicle that included all the typical elements of the model. The amber indicators placed on each side of the hood are also a reminder of the past.
An electric version next year
Mercedes-Benz says the G-Class will always benefit from the same philosophy, namely technical development and an unchanged character. The model will enter her 45e production year next year, the manufacturer will certainly have a few surprises in store for us to underline everything, in particular an electric model.
According to the manufacturer, the motto of the current generation launched in 2018 is “Stronger than time” and will apply more than ever in the future. The electric G-Class, which will roll off the production lines in 2024 alongside thermal engine models, will take another step into the future.
The all-electric version will have 4 individually controlled electric motors positioned close to the wheels, while the battery pack integrated into the ladder frame will ensure a low center of gravity.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class remains a vehicle in demand, production is selling rapidly, while for the past few years there has been a marked increase in the market value of used models. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class remains an iconic vehicle that will continue to fuel discussions.
